Works For Str Quartet CD

The music of the outstanding German violinist and enthusiastic composer Adolf Busch is not necessarily among the most accessible repertoire of the 20th century. Not because he championed the avant-garde, but because he preferred the same path that his idol Max Reger had showed him. The present recording leaves no doubt as to the close creative relationship between both figures. This balanced mix of pieces offers a virtually perfect introduction to the output of the younger composer. The serenade that strikes a balance between being down-to-earth and a relaxed delicacy, two quartets that are polar opposites in both content and form, and the five exceptionally artful fugues with their imaginative preludes invite the listener to knock on Busch's door. To this end, we also recommend the previous production of the Sarastro Quartet (cpo 555 279-2), which was released four years ago as the first instalment of the complete recordings.